USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Northfield > History of Northfield, New Hampshire 1780-1905: In Two Parts with Many Biographical Sketches and. > Part 18
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Alonzo Collins committed suicide by shooting, February 18, 1886.
The old tan shed on Elm Street, after having been demolished, took fire and was consumed.
B. F. Cofran's residence was burned the same time, May 27, 1875. Both caught from a fire across the river. Mr. and Mrs. Cofran were absent from home.
George Mason was accidentally killed by falling from a load of wood on Bean Hill in 1870. He was teamster for Joseph Dear- born.
Benjamin Glines' and J. B. Glover's house burned, July, 1879. Lightning struck the barn of Warren H. Smith, June, 1878.
Horace Hicks was instantly killed by being caught in a revolv- ing belt in James Earnshaw's mill and horribly mutilated, in 1863 ( ?).
Fifield sat down astride a kitchen chair. His head dropped over the sharp ridge and caused his death by strangula- tion. He lived in East Northfield, near the Canterbury line.
The tannery near Carter's mill was burned, January 15, 1876.
Susan Maria, daughter of David Hills, was fatally burned by her clothing taking fire at an open fireplace, October 14, 1846.
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HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD.
The residence of E. S. Wadleigh was burned, April 22, 1881. The frame proved to be of white oak.
Mrs. Mills of Concord died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Robertson, June, 1879, of hydrophobia. She had been bitten 18 months before.
Miles Cate fell down the cellar stairs and broke his neck.
Col. James Cofran's house was blown down while in the process of erection in 1854.
Massa H. Morey committed suicide in 1854 by hanging.
One of the most serious losses to the town by fire was the burn- ing of the New Hampshire Conference Seminary and Female Col- lege, November 7, 1862, during a storm of sleet. It was doubtless the work of an incendiary. The blaze started in the southeast corner of the east wing, third story, and progressed very slowly in the face of a high gale. The wreckage burned until Decem- ber 18.
- The David Hills house at the Center burned May 24, 1885; ac- cidental.
Willie Glines fell 25 feet from a staging on E. S. Wadleigh's . house and received but slight injuries, August 5, 1881.
Thomas Benton Clark was found drowned near the lower high- way bridge, August 11, 1872.
Sarah Cross was drowned while bathing in the Merrimack near the Orphans' Home.
Mary Hall Morrison, aged two, was drowned in a tan pit in 1825.
Elizabeth Nudd was fatally burned from an outdoor fire, April 11, 1864.
Willis and Wallis Glines, twin brothers, were both fatally in- jured by the cars at nearly the same spot. The former, Decem- ber 27, 1899; the latter, September 4, 1886.
The old home of Asa K. Osgood was burned after his death, July 25, 1900.
The buildings on the Brigham place on the main road were burned.
Willis Carroll was killed on the railroad near the fair grounds, August 23, 1904.
Charles Alonzo Gile was injured in a carriage accident, Decem- ber 18, 1863, and died from its effects.
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CASUALTIES.
The farm buildings of Charles L. Barnard on Bean Hill were totally destroyed by fire, December 13, 1900.
The Aldrich place was burned. This house was the scene of David Smith's death. He fell from the beams of the barn and broke his neck.
Job Glines died alone in a small house opposite the Deacon Abbott home; found dead in the cellar.
Thomas Chase's new house on Arch Hill burned, November, 1855.
Mrs. Maud Perry of Tilton killed on the summit while berry- ing. Thrown from her carriage, July, 1905.
Child of John Cilley killed by a rolling stick of timber; away from home; brought home at night.
The residence of Jeremiah E. Smith on Bay Hill was destroyed by fire, June 18, 1904.
Carlos Clark perished in a winter storm, January 3, 1861, on the hill south of the Arch. His body was not found until spring. The Beckler House was burned, June 21,-1875,
Mrs. Mahala Evans was killed, October 17, 1852, by the cars as she was rescuing her daughter, a deaf mute, from the same peril, close by her door.
Mrs. Almena Riley's farm buildings burned with cattle and horses, June 5, 1903; a total loss.
Tom Glover lived in the Job Glines house by the Abbott's at the foot of Kezar hills. He was found dead at the foot of the cellar stairs, where he had apparently lain a long time. He was from Canterbury.
The "great September gale" occurred the 23d of the month, 1815. The roof was blown from the three-story house of John Moloney, now owned by Miss Mary Foss, and one story was re- moved when repairs were made.
What has always been called the Cold Friday occurred Feb- ruary 19, 1810, with the same fearful phenomenon here as else- where, though no human lives were lost. Cattle lay down shiv- ering in their stalls and were covered with hay, and faces and ears were frost-bitten everywhere.
The 6th of September, 1881, was in Northfield, as elsewhere, so dark that lights were needed all day and has passed into his- tory as the Yellow Day.
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HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD.
September 14, 1882, the residence of Daniel E. Hill was wrecked during a wind storm by the fall of an immense elm tree standing near it.
The house of Mrs. G. B. Lott was injured in a similar manner in 1904.
Orlando Howe's farm buildings burned in the summer of 1902. January 24, 1886, a beautiful rainbow was seen in the west at 4.30 o'clock p. m.
The stables of W. F. Daniells and Charles Kendrick at the fair grounds were destroyed by fire in 1903.
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CHAPTER XI. CLUBS AND SOCIETIES. NORTHFIELD BRASS BAND.
About the year 1840 a band was organized in the west part of the town; its purpose was to furnish music for the old-time train- ings and musters and to enliven the many gatherings of its mem- bers and their friends. Capt. William. Plummer Cross, though not a musician himself, had charge of the business part of the club and was sent to purchase the needed instruments. Benson Hazelton, Rufus Manuel, William Plummer and the three Pipers made up its membership. They were expected to serenade every newly-married couple, near or far away. It existed until its members were scattered. We have no date of its dismember- ment.
TILTON AND NORTHFIELD CORNET BAND.
Ten years later, another band was organized at Sanbornton Bridge, under the tutelage of Alonzo Bond of Boston and Henry Meizner of Tilton. Solon Hill was leader and it became one of the best in the country. This eventually gave place to others, but Northfield and the contiguous towns seldom lack good talent that can be called together on short notice. Mr. Tilton has several times encouraged some ambitious company by the gift of instruments and uniforms. There is no organization at the pres- ent time.
FRIENDSHIP GRANGE.
KATE FORREST.
When the north fields were cut off from Canterbury and be- came an independent township, the grange was a thing unknown. Most of the inhabitants of the new town were patrons of the ancient occupation of agriculture, but they did not realize their claim to "precedence over royal dynasties and titles of nobility," and were content to call themselves simply farmers.
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HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD.
Northfield had reached the respectable age of fourscore years, when the order, "Patrons of Husbandry," was instituted in 1867 and had traveled five years beyond the century milestone when the grange idea was planted within its borders. Once having root, however, the new idea grew rapidly and on the night after Christmas in the year 1885 sent out a bud of promise which be- came a fruitful branch of the order, Patrons of Husbandry. The holiday season of peace and goodwill was a fitting time for the organization of a fraternal order, whose name should be called "Friendship," and whose work should be performed in "Faith, Hope and Charity."
Friendship Grange started out with these 17 charter members: Jason Foss, James N. Forrest, Susan H. Foss, Obe G. Morrison, Morrill and Lovina Moore, Clarence W. Whicher, Fannie J. Whicher, Mary W., Belle W. and Clyde A. Gile, Lowell M. and Amanda A. French, Joseph J. Prescott, Bertha A. French and Hiram H. and Sarah Cross. Of these, only 13 were present on that first evening, but if any feeling of superstition existed in the mind of any one it was not allowed to interfere with the work in hand, and the organization was duly effected.
Among the officials present on this occasion were Hon. Nahum J. Bachelder, then secretary of the State Grange, afterwards its master and, later, governor of New Hampshire; Emri C. Hutchin- son of Milford; Alfred Colby of Tilton, and W. D. Tuttle of Andover. The first meeting was held in the old brick church, otherwise known as the Northfield town house and, since that night, as the home of the grange.
Electricity had not then been introduced into the building and a few kerosene lamps and lanterns dimly lighted the large room and shone fitfully upon the earnest faces of the few embryo patrons gathered there.
The voice of our future governor rose to the vaulted ceiling and mingled with the echoes of fervent exhortations and penny- royal hymns which had ascended in the old meeting days from the high-backed pews, standing in dark rows on either side of the room. Perhaps, the charges given by the future state secretary, Mr. Hutchinson, gained impressiveness from these echoes of the past and the influence of psalm and sermon may have inspired the efficiency with which these officers performed the duties of that difficult first year.
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The first master of Friendship Grange was Jason Foss, with Lowell M. French as overseer and James N. Forrest, lecturer; steward, Hiram H. Cross; assistant steward, Clyde A. Gile; chap- lain, Obe G. Morrison; treasurer, Clarance W. Whicher; secre- tary, Belle W. Gile; gatekeeper, Morrill Moore; Pomona, Amanda A. French; Flora, Fannie Whicher; and lady assistant steward, Lovina A. Moore.
George R. Locke was chosen master for the second year and Mr. Foss was re-elected for the third. Lowell M. French, Lucien F. Batchelder, Edwin D. Forrest, Arthur H. Hills, Ned Dearborn, Arthur P. Thomas, Ora G. Ladd, Frank J. Phelps, Arthur M. Lord, J. C. Flanders, with Arthur P. Thomas for 1904 and 1905, have in succession filled the chair. Mrs. Maude W. Gil- man has been the only woman to hold the office, in 1899, and dur- ing her term of service the grange saw one of its most prosperous years. Her associate officers were all women and all, from the master down, took great pride in committing to memory the de- gree work of the order, which made it much more impressive than when read from the ritual. The only prize ever won by this grange for excellence in ritualistic work was during that year. A degree staff, also composed of ladies, was formed during Mrs. Gilman's administration and had the honor of exemplifying the . third degree at a special meeting of the State Grange held in Tilton town hall during the Grange State Fair.
Eight secretaries, all ladies but one and all residents of North- field but three, have handed down to the future the treasured records.
Fifteen have filled the lecturer's chair, all of whom, with a single exception, have been or are now residents of our town. This office is no sinecure. Upon the faithful discharge of its duties depends in large measure the reputation and success of the grange. Programmes must be arranged to suit the tastes of all and to bring out the peculiar talent of the various members. Important subjects relating to home life, farm life, social life and the many burning questions of the hour must be discussed, essays written, declamations learned, grange papers, dramas and songs arranged for. If this order, and especially Friendship Grange, had done nothing more than help its youth to discover their own powers in some of these lines, it need never apologize for its ex- istence.
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HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD.
Its tenth anniversary, December 26, 1895, was an event to be remembered, not only for its inward cheer, but its outward gloom, the weather not only being unpropitious but unseasonable and unreasonable. Rain fell in torrents and the darkness of Erebus was as noonday compared with the blackness of the moonless night. The two neighboring granges invited were there, . how- ever, and Hon. Warren F. Daniell of Franklin, John C. Morrison of Boscawen and James E. Shepard of New London. The for- mer contributed a humorous poem to the occasion and the others, addresses. The history of the organization for 10 years was given by Lucien F. Batchelder and some wise prophecies uttered by Miss Bullock, which have proved her a true prophet by since coming true. There was, too, a fine address by Worthy Master Ned Dearborn.
August, 1893, the long-needed grange kitchen was completed and formally dedicated. Its acquisition was a great delight to those who had so patiently endured the discomforts and incon- venience of the old serving room. The town concurring and assisting, the old seats were replaced by suitable chairs, electric lights secured, water put in and a telephone installed.
The installation of officers has often been made a public service and noted members of the State and National Granges have per- formed the duty. These occasions have always borne their fruit in new applications for membership. The occasional visits of the Pomona are seasons of abundant cheer and the return visits no less cordial, as sociability is one of the prime features of the order.
During the 20 years of its life Friendship Grange has enrolled on its membership list many scores of names. Jeremiah E. Smith was the first candidate initiated and is still a member in good and regular standing. Some names are now enrolled as members of granges in other towns.
The pages devoted to the memory of those whose faces are no longer seen among us bear many treasured names of those who obeyed the Great Master of the Universe and have gone to join the great company whose work on earth is finished.
Friendship Grange has passed two decades of existence. It has known vicissitudes-membership has fluctuated, interest has flagged and revived again with the changing seasons, its youthful enthusiasm has departed-but through shadow and sunshine it .
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has kept to its course, has held its place in the community and fulfilled the promise of its beginning.
"Oh! happy grange, thy joys are pure And free from taint of wrong, Thy social seasons cheer our hearts And make our spirits strong.
"In Faith and Hope we wend our way From out thy sacred hall Thy teachings to exemplify With charity for all."
N. H. GRANGE FAIR. COL. W. H. STINSON.
In 1885 the New Hampshire Grange Fair Association was formed under the auspices of the Patrons of Husbandry for the encouragement of agriculture and its kindred branches of domes- tic industry in the state.
The history of Northfield would be incomplete without mention being made of the series of 14 successful fairs held on the Frank- lin and Tilton Driving Park grounds under its auspices, made possible by the marked liberality and interest of the late Charles E. Tilton. These grounds, so admirably located, easily accessible. by team or train, were fitted up with all necessary buildings and equipments to meet all the requirements of a first-class fair and its use freely donated to the grange organization. The first fair was held in September, 1886, and was a noted festival and went off with great acclaim. It was a great event, both in exhibit and attendance. It was followed by 13 similar events, but the history of the first one will suffice.
The novelty of an unadulterated farmer's fair was far reach- ing. Hon. Stilson Hutchins, on opening day, spoke for Mr. Til -. ton, tendering the furnished grounds to the free use of the fair association, to which Col. W. H. Stinson, the president, responded, giving expression to the appreciation felt by the association and the grange at large for the remarkable evidence of his generosity and the interest he had taken in providing such a splendid oppor- tunity for the display of practical agriculture. The Manchester High School Cadets were present with full ranks during the fair and gave added attraction to the event.
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HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD.
On the second day Hon. Moody Currier, governor of the state, with his council and staff, accompanied by United States sen- ators, members of Congress, also candidates for governor and a · large crowd of distinguished men from all the departments of . the state and representatives of the National Grange with many lady guests, graced the exhibition by their presence. Mr. and Mrs. Tilton gave a reception and dinner at the Tilton mansion to a distinguished company at noon. Following this, under escort of the cadets, led by Rublee's Band, the invited guests were escorted to the fair grounds, where addresses were given by the governor and many others. In the evening the Tilton grounds and the charming village were brilliant with illumination; can- non boomed, red lights burned and those who witnessed the event will never forget its splendor. The displays of cattle, horses, sheep, swine, poultry and farm crops were marvels in quantity and quality, while in the domestic department the ladies covered themselves with well-earned glory.
The 13 following fairs were conducted with the same care and none of the objectionable features of other fairs which con- tributed so much to their unpopularity and discontinuance were allowed. They continued to be an annual festival, appreciated not alone by members of the grange but by agricultural people as well, and they acquired a truly enviable reputation. The best speakers in the state were often heard on its platform, not least among them being Hon. Napoleon Bryant, who was always warmly greeted not only for his pleasing speech and practical talk, but that he honored the town by choosing one of its accom- plished daughters to preside over his home and rear his children. Much credit was also due the state president and his worthy as- sistant, who later became our honored governor, Hon. Nahum J. Bachelder, both of whom fostered in it the educational element and many speakers of national reputation gave eminent counsel at its gatherings.
These were a succession of splendid festivals, well ordered and well patronized, the discontinuance of which, in 1900, was greatly regretted. Mr. Tilton was, from first to last, its generous pro- moter and we gladly give his portrait and sketch a place in con- nection with it.
CHARLES ELLIOT TILTON.
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CLUBS AND SOCIETIES.
HON. CHARLES E. TILTON. (See portrait.)
Mr. Tilton was a great grandson of Deacon Nathaniel, who came from Stratham, about 1771, to Sanbornton. His son, Jeremiah, erected the first public house on the site of the late Loverin Hotel and was identifiled with all the improvements of the new country. He was a blacksmith and a busy man, as he believed in home manufactures. He was a Revolutionary soldier and had 11 children. His son, Samuel, married Myra Ames of Canterbury. She is remembered for her lovely character and nobility of mind, and her devotion as wife and mother.
Charles Elliot Tilton, the subject of this sketch, was their youngest son, born September 14, 1827. He attended the public schools and at 15 became a pupil of Prof. Dyer H. Sanborn and was later, for three years, at Norwich (Vt.) Military Academy, a discipline fitting him well for the strenuous life in store for him during the 30 years of intense devotion to business on the Pacific slope.
He married Louisa Peabody, daughter of Jeremiah and Nancy Carter Tilton, January 11, 1856. They resided in her father's home until the erection of the elegant and spacious home on the heights across the. river, in 1862 and '63. Much of this time he was engaged in extensive business elsewhere. Two of their three children were born there. (See genealogy, pages 304, 305.)
He was offered a captain's commission on the breaking out of the Mexican War by Colonel Ransom, but declined it, owing to his parents' non-consent.
His older brother, Alfred, had been for sometime a merchant in New York City, by whom he was employed for a season. He was not satis- fied with his position there, though prospects of promotion were offered and, leaving everything behind him, visited many of the West India Islands with a view to future business, and prospected the Amazon and Orinoco rivers in canoes with Indian guides, a feat then never before undertaken by white man. It was while prospecting in South America, at Caracas, Maracaybo and Panama, that the news of the dis- covery of gold in California reached him and he determined to hasten thither, as his travels had not been satisfactorily remunerative. He had, however, acquired a valuable knowledge of the Spanish tongue and joined a company of gold hunters from Vermont and was thus enabled to fill the place of purchaser of supplies from the natives.
No transportation was to be had to San Francisco and he had not sufficient money to purchase a ticket. His brother's reputation in New York, however, secured one for him and, after great hardship and ex- posure, he arrived in San Francisco.
Mr. Tilton became identified with many enterprises on the coast and frontier and helped open up the Columbia and Willamette rivers to navigation and was one of five to develop the Oregon Railway and Navigation Company.
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HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD.
In 1860 he, with W. S. Ladd, his cousin by marriage and a native of Sanbornton Bridge, organized the first banking-house in Portland, Ore., which acquired a national reputation. He retired from this in 1881. He was interested in several other banking houses and at the same time was engaged in transportation across the plains, furnishing large trains for all points and giving his personal attention to all the details. Every day was full of adventure, but, in spite of malaria, terrific storms and hostile Indians, he accomplished his youthful purpose, after which time he devoted his energies to the care of his large prop- erty and many interests elsewhere, but with home at Tilton, which was named in honor of the Tilton family.
He made many improvements and his bounty recognized not only the needs of the village but the comfort of the whole, as well as their pleasure. His many benefactions to the town of Northfield will be noticed in detail in their proper place.
UNION PICNIC ASSOCIATION.
In the summer of 1875 Mrs. W. C. French and Willie Keniston invited a company of neighbors and friends to meet in a beautiful shady grove on the bluff east of the railroad station at Northfield Depot and there held a very enjoyable social gathering, inter- spersed with literary exercises, music and a bountiful collation.
A place more easily accessible was chosen and another held later in the season, at which many were present from all parts of the town. A table 130 feet long liberally supplied and con- taining, as a newspaper article reported, "90 loaves of frosted cake and other things in proportion," was one of the attractive features. There was also a brass band and a squadron of horse containing 25 saddles, and a rare literary treat.
An association was then formed and the free use of the grove was granted by its owner, William G. Hannaford, and the neces- sary seats and stands erected. Their meetings were held there for many years in succession. Ministers, doctors, lawyers, gov- ernors and congressmen not infrequently occupied the platform and the speeches there made would have claimed attention in the halls of Congress. Home talent was also encouraged and prominence given to the public and Sunday schools.
The third one held is especially deserving of mention, not only for the presence of Gov. Natt Head, but from the fact that 1,000 plates were filled from a hundred-foot table. Laconia Band was: in attendance and was remembered with an enormous cake.
Sometimes, for variety, basket lunches took the place of public
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CHARLES GLINES.
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CLUBS AND SOCIETIES.
tables and, later, the gatherings were discontinued every other year. The last one was held in 1896. The Glines reunions on Mount Polly took their place in a measure. Yet, Northfield union picnics are known far and near and were for 21 years a part of the life of the town and as such are deserving a place in her history.
GLINES FAMILY REUNION.
This family, one of the largest in town, has gathered for 11 years on Mount Polly, where, with other allied families, they have held an annual "feast of reason" and "flow of soul."
The location, the pine grove as well as its nearness to the rail- roads, where trains have always stopped for their accommodation, renders it an ideal place for such gatherings, and the yearly col- lation is one of its attractive features and it is always eagerly looked forward to by the widely scattered families.
Rev. Jeremiah S. Jewett and Hon. S. S. Jewett of Laconia are past presidents of the association and Mrs. J. R. Scales of Concord is secretary. The subjoined sketch and portrait of Mr. Charles Glines, coming too late for insertion in the family record, are gladly accorded a place here.
CHARLES GLINES. (See portrait.)
Charles Glines, youngest son of Job and Mary Dearborn Glines, was born May 24, 1820, on what is known as the Windfall, where he spent the early years of his life. He was employed for several years by the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad as a section hand, but the greater part of his life was spent in farming.
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